1. Remember property managers are there to help.



Josh is the Vesta Properties property manager in Wahpeton. He is willing to work with seniors to find the apartment that best suits each individual's needs. Josh will answer questions, show you more than one unit in Wahpeton and will guide you in making the best choice. Our Wahpeton office is located at 315 N. 11th St. Feel free to give Josh a call at 701.672.7368 or email him at josh@vestapropertymanagement.com.

2. Tour two or three buildings.

If you like the first unit you see, it's still a good idea to tour at least one more apartment building. When you see two or three apartments, you can compare them and weigh what you like against what you don't like about each. It's a good idea to look at more than one around the same price range. If one building has more than one apartment available, don't hesitate to view both. Maybe you'd rather be on the first floor than the second. Or maybe one has a better view or more sunlight or shade. Keep in mind what amenities are most important such as if you'd like washer and dryer hookups or a double garage.

3. Know what your price range is and stick to it.

Sometimes a property manager will try to convince you to rent an apartment out of your budget range. That is not the case with Vesta Properties. We will help you find an apartment you are comfortable with. Keep in mind all the extra expenses that can add up in a year such as utilities, Internet and cable. If your rent is just $150 over your budget, that adds up to quite a bit over a year. Plus there are other costs such as a deposit, pet deposit and application fee. Rent at our 720 Dakota Ave. apartments starts at just $400 per month. Our other apartments range from about $450 to $650 per month, so we can help you find an apartment within your price range.

4. Plan now for the future.

If your health changes in the next year, at that time you might need to move to a first floor apartment or to an assisted living facility. All of our units offer one-year leases and then shorter leases after the first year. This will be convenient if your living needs change in the future.

5. Safety precautions are important.

Nearly all of our apartments have a 24-hour emergency service and require background checks on all residents prior to move-in. For extra safety, our 1457 and 1468 11th St. N. apartments have a controlled access.

6. It's a good idea to listen to a second opinion.

If you bring a trusted friend or family member along while you are looking at apartments, that person can offer their suggestions and help you make the best decision. Obviously, the choice is yours, but sometimes that second person thinks of some questions you hadn't thought of. Or you could have that person take notes while you ask questions.